- Could you tell us about the theme or concept behind this DJ set?
I wanted to bring something progressive, as you heard. That’s the style I’ve been developing over the last year. I wanted to do something smooth and club-oriented, but at the same time elegant, with good energy.
- Among the records you played today, were there any tracks you were especially excited to play or particularly wanted to introduce to the audience?
I have an album that I bought some time ago. It was really special to me. It’s “Lull,” a double album by Antix, from the early 2000s. I really, really love the vibe of it. I think all the tracks are amazing. It’s really, really smooth to play. I was really looking forward to playing this.
Another one is a record that I’m in love with. I have to say, I’ve been playing it every time lately. It’s “Plusier” by Atropin Projekt, released on the 2001 label. Mainly, all the music I played today was from the early 2000s, which I think was the best period, when progressive started to spread around the world. And this record really means a lot to me because it gives me a lot of good emotions. It’s kind of mental. There’s this kind of vocal going on all the time, and I think it’s something that can take people on a journey.
- I understand you were actually born in Tokyo—how old were you when you lived here until?
Only for a really short time, unfortunately. My parents were here for work, and I stayed here until I was three years old. Then they moved to Milan, Italy, which became my home.
- Is this your first time visiting Japan, or have you been here before?
This is my first time, and it’s a dream to be here in Japan, where I was born, and be able to play my music. Coming back here through my passion for music is one of the greatest satisfactions I’ve ever had.
- Do you feel you have a special attachment to Japan?
A lot. In fact, I have my own label called “レイブ,” which means “rave” in Japanese. I think Japanese culture has affected me all my life, and it’s really, really special to me. So I wanted to spread a bit of this culture, and the name of the label, “レイブ,” came naturally.
- From your perspective as a DJ, what do you think about Japan’s record culture and club scene?
I’ve always been attracted to the culture and music coming from Japan. I think their approach is truly unique, and the sophistication of their sound is something you can immediately feel. Every DJ I’ve met from Japan had a very refined sensibility and a deep attention to detail, both in music selection and in the way they build an atmosphere. I really admire the dedication and care they put into their musical identity.
- On the other hand, what is the current state of record culture and the club scene in Italy?
I think Italy has always had a strong musical identity and a deep connection with club culture. Right now I feel the scene is evolving, there are many talented artists, new promoters and communities trying to create something authentic. At the same time, I think it’s important to preserve the culture of digging and musical research, because that’s what gives depth and personality to a DJ. Italy has incredible potential: tradition and creativity have always been part of our DNA, and when those two elements come together, something special happens
- What do you find appealing about DJing with vinyl records?
Vinyl will always have the charm of being a tangible and rare object, something you can physically connect with. And when it comes to mixing, it’s hard to explain exactly why, but the feeling of playing vinyl gives me more personal joy and, for me, it often feels more natural and effective than digital.
I don’t play only vinyl. I also play digitally, and I like combining both worlds
Buying records is expensive, so you tend to be much more selective with your choices compared to digital music, where everything is easier to find. I like having both options during a DJ set because it opens more possibilities for example, being able to combine a 30-year-old record with a track made in the studio just a week before.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
I’m very easily influenced, in a positive way. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected moments, a conversation, a place, a movie scene, traveling, or even a random situation during the day. I think creativity doesn’t always come from music itself, sometimes it comes from life happening around you.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
For me this is a very important topic. I think the right mindset is something you understand only with time spent behind this passion. At a certain point you realize it’s not just a passion anymore it becomes your life, and that’s when you need to learn balance.
I believe balance is the key to everything. You have to stay hungry and keep growing, but at the same time stay grounded and protect yourself. It’s important to enjoy the process, stay patient, and remember why you started in the first place. Music should be something you live with, not something that consumes you.
- What plans do you have for 2026?
2026 is looking exciting for me. I’ve just started my residency at Duro Club in Milan, which is a new project I’m really happy to be part of. I’ll also be playing at Kappa Future Festival, which is definitely an important moment for me.
At the same time, I’m working on new music and spending a lot of time in the studio. I want to keep growing, developing my sound and bringing new energy into my sets.
- Finally, how did you feel about playing at ELLA RECORDS today?
It was really, really nice. It’s a shop with a great atmosphere, and I really liked it. It looks fantastic. I was a bit sleepy, as you can see, because I had too much fun last night, haha, but I think I managed it pretty well. I hope you guys enjoyed it.
